Paul Finebaum Names Surprising College Football Team as a 'Legitimate Contender'

The Tigers were one of the top programs in college football during the 2010s, winning two national championships and making several appearances in the College Football Playoff. However, since 2020, they have struggled to remain contenders. On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum expressed his belief that that will change in 2025.

"I think Clemson is a legitimate contender for the national championship," Finebaum said. 

While it may not be surprising that Clemson is a playoff contender, given their success last year and their status as one of the top programs over the past decade, it is surprising in light of Finebaum's recent comments. In January, Finebaum discussed on his show that he didn't believe Clemson was still relevant.

"We talk about the top, the best," Finebaum stated. "Clemson's not really that relevant anymore. I mean, they snuck into the playoff, and they got ushered right out of the playoff."

Now, he considers them a legitimate national title contender. While he didn't explain why, there are a few possible reasons. According to the Greenville News, Clemson returns all its end-of-year starters with eligibility remaining. That includes starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions last year. However, they will have to replace running back Phil Mafah, who ran for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Tigers also did not lose key starters during the transfer portal window. Although they will have to replace the out-of-eligibility starters, this is a good starting point for getting Clemson back to its winning ways.